12 p.m.

In this interactive workshop, you’ll use the LEGO Serious Play method to share ideas, spark conversations and imagine new possibilities for the student experience at VCU. Through guided activities, explore how storytelling and building can unlock fresh perspectives, strengthen collaboration and help reimagine what learning, community and student life could look like. Come ready to imagine, build and connect. You’ll also earn a digital badge to showcase your experience on LinkedIn, your résumé or your portfolio. This free in-person workshop, at the SHIFT Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St., is open to all VCU students and community members. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU da Vinci Center at davincicenter@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/Reimagine-Oct-15.

12 p.m.

Join VCU's School of Business for an informational webinar to explore how the 16-month Master of Decision Analytics Weekend Program can elevate your career. Learn about the interactive curriculum, weekend schedule (that includes in-person and online courses), cohort experience and application process. No registration required — join via the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Rachel Kaeser at mksarma@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/j/89945060059.

12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

The Underground at VCU is bringing back the Mix and Mingle Series. These events will provide students with the opportunity to learn about various organizations on campus. The theme is about academic organizations at VCU and will take place in the Underground, Suite 015, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Doughnuts and beverages will be provided.

For more information, contact Raine Harris at harrisrn@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1941472.

12:05 p.m. to 12:50 p.m.

Join VCU Toastmasters spring open house to learn how Toastmasters can help improve your public speaking and build leadership skills. The meeting will be at the School of Engineering, West Hall, Room 106, 601 W. Main St. and also available via Zoom at https://vcu.zoom.us/j/82921531244

For more information, contact Eileen Truax at etruax@vcu.edu or visit https://www.vcutoastmasters.com.

3 p.m.

This online workshop, led by the Focused Inquiry Learning Lounge (FILL), will show you how to save texts as PDFs and introduce a system of note-taking using free annotation software. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

STEM in Art will present the fourth event of the semester with molecular bead bracelet making. Learn about DNA, proteins and chemical compounds and then create your very own wearable molecular bracelet to take home. All materials and snacks are free. The event will be in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Ezran Muganda at mugandaer@vcu.edu.

7 p.m.

Join VCU Libraries for an evening with Bryant Terry, the James Beard Award-winning chef, food activist and author of "Black Food." Terry’s remarks will touch on African American cuisine and its evolution through migration, identity and resilience. The talk will be in the lecture hall of James Branch Cabell Library, 901 Park Ave. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ryan Larson at rbpander@vcu.edu or visit https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/events/2025-2026/2025-fall-lecture-.html.

7 p.m.

The RamsRead organization will hold its first general body meeting in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 1100, 1000 Floyd Ave. Volunteers are invited to learn about the club, what the members do and how to become involved in promoting literacy among Richmond school children.

For more information, contact Anshu Rajakumar at rajakumara@vcu.edu.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Don't let the flu slow you down this season - stop by and get your free flu shot today, available for VCU employees. Staying healthy helps you stay strong, energized and ready for all that fall brings. The clinic will be at the HR Training Room, 922 W. Grace St., Room 115. Visit the VCU Human Resources Flu Clinic website for details on all flu clinics being offered this season.

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/flu-clinics/.

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 from noon to 12:50 p.m.

Join this virtual You First Presents for a talk on media literacy. Just like with food, our media diet makes us who we are. Too much junk? Any veggies? We live in a media-saturated world, so a balanced media diet takes work ... and influences what we think is real and whom we trust. Join Tim Bajkiewicz, Ph.D., associate professor of broadcast journalism at VCU's Richard T. Robertson School of Communication, for a look at today's media world and tools to help you snack on it smarter. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Bambacus at bambacuses@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.zoom.us/meeting/register/OnrgxVi7RN6JsrFCPEWwlA.

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

This talk follows ongoing work around the cooperative geographies of agrobiodiversity - the things that people do (and don't do) with seeds, the things that seeds may or may not do on their own and the ways seed work inspires geographic relations between people, place and plants. Chris Keeve is a Ph.D. candidate in geography at the University of Kentucky and predoctoral fellow of the Woodson Institute of the University of Virginia. This event is hosted by the School of World Studies in collaboration with the Environmental Humanities Lab of the Humanities Research. The talk will be in Hibbs Hall, 900 Park Ave., Room 429.

For more information, contact Kai Bosworth at bosworthk@vcu.edu or visit https://worldstudies.vcu.edu/events/event-items/seedkeeping-worldmaking-and-counter-cartographies-of-food-and-land-with-chris-keeve.html.

Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 at 7 p.m.

The VCU women's soccer team will play the University of Richmond at the Sports Backers Stadium, 100 Avenue of Champions.

For more information, contact Tavian Elliott at elliottt2@vcu.edu.

Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center will present "Breaking Silence, Finding Strength - Intimate Partner Violence and Mental Wellness" for Facts and Faith Fridays. Shanita Brown, Ed.D., East Carolina University, will discuss her new book, "Healing and Thriving After Domestic Violence: A Practical Guide for Black Women." The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlce6sqT8rEtSnqo4cYE4eHJwca-NghmLM#/registration

For more information, contact Rachel Pierce at piercer2@vcu.edu or (804) 239-7037 or visit https://www.masseycancercenter.org/facts-and-faith-fridays/.

Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 at 6 p.m.

The women's volleyball team will play George Mason at the Siegel Center.

For more information, contact Tavian Elliott at elliottt2@vcu.edu.

Monday, Oct. 20, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Are you interested in drug discovery? Drug development? Drug delivery? You are invited to a poster session showcasing research in the School of Pharmacy. Learn about Pharmaceutical Sciences and take part in a raffle for some swag. The event will be in the University Student Commons, Richmond Salons, 907 Floyd Ave.

For more information, contact Mary Kate Brogan at broganm2@vcu.edu or (804) 828-7701.

Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

VCU HR offers a course on coaching for managers which introduces an easy-to-use mindset and model to help employees progress toward goals. Register by Friday, Oct. 17 (required) in Talent@VCU at https://rb.gy/f3gevm If you are a VCU Health System employee with no access to the Talent@VCU system, complete this form to register: https://forms.gle/kLGAV9kSttfsdPga9

For more information, contact Penny McFarline at mcfarlinep@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 from 10 a.m. to noon

VCU's Division of Community Engagement in the Office of the Provost invites faculty to Advancing Scholarship Through Community Engagement, an in-person workshop at the Scott House, Rooms 202 and 204, 909 W. Franklin St. Lunch will be provided. Learn from VCU faculty who have transformed their community engagement into scholarship and take part in small group discussions to explore strategies for your own work. Register at https://forms.gle/kMLFxdTqoLv8R1Tm9

For more information, contact Challen Wellington at wellingtonc@vcu.edu or visit https://community.vcu.edu/training/.

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center and VCU's College of Humanities and Sciences for a Dean's Research Seminar featuring Aspen Brinton, Ph.D., and Joshua Eckhardt, Ph.D. The session will be at the STEM Building, Room 202, 817 W. Franklin St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/humanities-week/deans-research-seminar.html.

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 at 5 p.m.

The Graduate Certificate in Advanced Educational Statistics takes a deep dive into both classic and cutting-edge quantitative methods, such as multivariate statistics, multilevel modeling, structural equation modeling and machine learning. Designed to integrate seamlessly with other graduate programs through elective options, it equips students with highly marketable skills for careers in academia and industry. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Maryanna Stufflebeem at stufflebeemmd@vcu.edu or visit https://connect.soe.vcu.edu/register/AdvEdStatsFall25.

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.

The American Chemical Society will host its Model Kit Night at T. Edward Temple Building, Room 3309, 901 W. Main St. Take part in a competitive tournament in which participants race to build molecular models — and the winner takes all. It’s a hands-on event that tests chemistry knowledge, teamwork and speed.

For more information, contact Anshu Rajakumar at rajakumara@vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Richmond City Council members will directly address questions, concerns and solutions surrounding VCU student housing and the Richmond 300 rezoning plan at Democracy in Dialogue: Richmond Rezoning. The first in the series will be hosted by VCU's Institute for Democratic Empowerment and Pluralism and will be held in the Academic Learning Commons (MCALC), Room 2104, 1000 Floyd Ave. Pizza will be provided. This event is open to all VCU students, staff and faculty. Registration is required. Register in RamsConnect at the following URL.

For more information, contact Amanda Wintersieck at idep@vcu.edu or visit https://idep.vcu.edu/events/event-items/democracy-in-dialogue-richmond-rezoning.html.

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Master's and undergraduate students of any major who want to work in counseling for substance use and recovery are invited to this virtual session to learn more about the credentials for Certified Substance Abuse Counselor and Peer Recovery Specialist. The speaker will be Lauren de Treville Powell, M.Ed., PRS, of Rams in Recovery. The event is sponsored by the School of Social Work, Rams in Recovery, the Institute for Research on Behavioral and Emotional Health and associated state agencies. RSVP: forms.gle/A13aKyYB8znyCKWJ8

For more information, contact Sarah Burton-Everette at severette2@vcu.edu or visit https://vcussw.info/CSAC.

Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Join the Humanities Research Center for a workshop with Teresa Mangum, Ph.D., Professor Emerita at the University of Iowa. Mangum’s workshop will help participants use the methods and matters of the humanities to prepare students to make more concrete and more hopeful connections between their studies and their futures. The session will be held at the Valentine House, Room 201, 920 W. Franklin St. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Ellie Musgrave at musgraveec@vcu.edu or visit https://humanitiescenter.vcu.edu/events/humanities-week/connecting-classroom-to-career-an-applied-humanities-design-workshop.html.

Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 at noon

Learn how buy now, pay later credit and your credit score impact your finances. Join VCU HR and Virginia Credit Union for expert tips and how to avoid common pitfalls. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/4mwjERE

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.

Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 from noon to 1 p.m.

The VCU Office of Military Services will offer Green Zone training to members of the VCU community who wish to learn more about the military student experience. Green Zone training promotes a greater understanding of the challenges military students may face as they transition from military life to student life as well as the strengths and leadership these students bring to VCU. The training workshops are approximately an hour and are in the SGA Senate Chambers, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Participants can register at the following URL.

For more information, contact William Morley at wemorley@vcu.edu or (804) 828-8674 or visit https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18543.

Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Come to Auctus’ October GBM to learn how to have your research, art and creative works published in VCU's undergraduate journal. Learn how to join the editorial team and work with peers and faculty to review and edit submissions. The meeting will be in the Honors College, 701 W. Grace St., Room 1303. Join the group's RamsConnect at the following URL to receive Auctus updates.

For more information, contact Auctus at auctus@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/auctus/club_signup.

Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Join facilitator Michael A. Hunt, DDS, for an interactive virtual workshop designed to help graduate students, faculty and staff build, strengthen and sustain effective mentoring connections. Participants will gain strategies for clarifying expectations, fostering communication and navigating challenges to ensure that mentoring relationships are both supportive and productive. The session will be hosted by the Office of Professional Development and the Graduate School. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact The Office of Professional Development, the Graduate School at gradprofdev@vcu.edu or visit https://cglink.me/2dV/r1940494.

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.

Support Guiding Eyes for the Blind at VCU by treating a guide dog in training to a pup cup. Puppies will be dressed in costumes in Monroe Park and ready for treats. All proceeds go toward the special naming of a future VCU puppy. Learn about available volunteer opportunities and how you can help raise, train and support these future guide dogs. Questions: Visit the organization's Instagram @gebatvcu.

For more information, contact Alexis Long at longa11@vcu.edu.

Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at 1 p.m.

Thinking about how to afford future education costs – for your child, grandchild or even yourself? Join VCU HR and Invest529 as they bring you an information-packed webinar that will show you how to save for future expenses. And you’ll receive a $25 gift code to kick-start your new Invest529 account and the chance to win a $100 Target gift card. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/3VxxzM7

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or visit https://hr.vcu.edu/worklife-at-vcu/employee-events/.

Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

In support of VCU’s culture of care and appreciation, VCU HR has developed training sessions based on the book “5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace” by Gary Chapman and Paul White. Those who attend will learn about the languages of appreciation in the workplace, understand the core concepts of meaningful appreciation and be able to use those skills to build and maintain good working relationships. Register for a session at the following URL.

For more information, contact VCU HR Learning, Development, and Organizational Culture at learndev@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.csod.com/samldefault.aspx?returnUrl=%252fDeepLink%252fProcessRedirect.aspx%253fmodule%253dlodetails%2526lo%253d60cd0c5a-816d-4c53-833e-68963d01f171.

Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 at 9 a.m.

The Connect Conference is back. The Division of Community Engagement in the Office of the Provost invites students, faculty and staff to the 2025 Connect Conference, where community voices, scholarship and innovation come together to build connections. Participants will learn skills and principles of community engagement, see partnerships in action and engage in design activities to support future collaborations that meet community needs. The conference will be in the Commonwealth Ballroom, University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. Register for free at the following URL.

For more information, contact Shari Garmise at garmiseso@vcu.edu or visit https://forms.gle/z3TfbFwBu6HRDqJE6.

Private swimming lessons are scheduled one-on-one with an instructor and are tailored toward participants' goals. RecWell’s certified Water Safety Instructors work with participants to identify goals and provide feedback and encouragement toward improvement throughout the lessons. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/aquatics/private-and-semi-private-swim-lessons/.

VCU students and trainees conducting cancer research are invited to register for the 2025 Commonwealth of Virginia Cancer Research Conference, hosted by VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. The conference will take place Nov. 14–15 at the Hilton Short Pump, 12042 W. Broad St. Join fellow researchers from across the state for two days of presentations, networking and collaboration. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Caroline Blair at blaircp@vcu.edu or visit https://web.cvent.com/event/0382dc6b-0821-4b28-8ead-71a26e2c1de8/summary.

VCU's new shuttle service, RamsXpress, services James Branch Cabell Library at the corner of Cathedral Place and Floyd Avenue, and Jonah L. Larrick Student Center at the corner of North Ninth and Turpin streets. The shuttle runs Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and allows the VCU community to travel between campuses – within 10 to 15 minutes – by offering direct, point-to-point service. These stops are not duplicative of current GRTC service locations.

For more information, contact Olivia Truban at parking@vcu.edu.

VCU HR offers a total rewards calculator to help employees understand the full value of university employment. To access the total rewards calculator, sign in to eServices, click the Employees tab and select Total Rewards Estimator.

For more information, contact VCU Human Resources at benefits@vcu.edu.

Survivors Tracking Exercise and Pain (STEP) is a 12-month research study exploring pain and physical activity among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors. We are looking for female survivors between the ages of 18 and 39 to partner with us. Together, we will shape the study and improve research for others like you. Your participation involves joining a 90-minute Zoom meeting once a month for 12 months. Compensation is provided for all advisory board members.

For more information, contact Karly Casanave-Phillips, Ph.D., Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, at AYASTEP@vcu.edu.

The Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) is sponsoring two new Faculty Learning Communities (FLCs) for the 2025-2026 academic year. One is focused on Teaching and learning in General Education Courses and the other is focused on how to integrate Inclusive Teaching Practices in Large Introductory Courses. Capacity is limited; click on the following URL to apply.

For more information, contact Zachary G. Goodell at zggoodel@vcu.edu or visit https://faculty.provost.vcu.edu/faculty-resources/center-for-teaching-and-learning-excellence/faculty-learning-communities/.

One-time survey to assess health behaviors and performance among adults enrolled in an upcoming endurance race. See the survey at the following URL.

For more information, contact Alexandra Lempke, Ph.D, at alexandra.lempke@vcuhealth.org or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=EE4CW7XX7F7YPW4H.

Check out Redefining BMI — a research study designed specifically for 18-to-25 year-old women with overweight/obesity who want to create a healthier lifestyle. Visit the following URL to learn more and take a quick survey to learn if you may be eligible for this VCU study.

For more information, contact Redefining BMI study at bmiproject@vcu.edu or (804) 828-5362 or visit https://www.redefiningbmi.com/.

This study is inviting individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 who identify as cisgender heterosexual for the control group.

For more information, contact Karen Gorgey at healthyheart@vcu.edu.

Black women ages 18-35 who have no experience with resistance exercise (e.g., lifting weights, resistance bands, body weight exercises) are invited to share their perspectives about resistance exercise and their desired features of a mobile app aimed to help guide and track their exercise regimens. Women will be invited to complete a one-time interview plus two surveys at a local library of their choice. Compensation is available. Check your eligibility at the following URL.

For more information, contact Chloe Jones, Ph.D., Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at jonesc53@vcu.edu or visit https://redcap.vcu.edu/surveys/?s=CJCT4ELK87PHXKK3.